Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022:
Another driver requests exemption from parts of HOS regs
For the third time this year, a truck driver is seeking an exemption from certain provisions in the hours-of-service regulations. Owner-operator Lee Schmitt requested and was later denied an exemption from four provisions of the regs, and driver Ronnie Brown III, whose petition is still pending, requested an exemption from the HOS regs and the ELD rule.
Wayne Moore Jr. is the latest individual to petition FMCSA for an exemption from four provisions of the hours-of-service regulations.
Moore's request is similar to Schmitt's -- he's requesting a five-year exemption from the 10-hour off-duty rule, the 14-hour driving window, the 30-minute break requirement, and the 70-hours-in-eight-days limit. Of note, he is not asking to drive more than 11 hours in an on-duty period.
FMCSA’s notice states that Moore has been a commercial driver for more than 25 years and currently works for a large transportation company in Indiana. The notice adds that Moore “states that he would like the ability to split off-duty time into periods that are more conducive to proper rest and sleep without having to comply with the HOS regulations.”
FMCSA will accept comment on Moore’s request for 30 days beginning Thursday, Dec. 1. Comments can be made here through Jan. 3.
Inmate seeks regs relief from driver training rules
Robert Towle, an inmate in the New Hampshire State Prison, is requesting an exemption from two provisions of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. The New Hampshire Department of Corrections operates a special school district within the prison walls, Granite State High School, that offers a CDL training class.
Towle is requesting an exemption from the ELDT requirement that a training provider use instructors who meet the definition of “theory instructor,” and from the requirement that an individual who applies for the first time for a Class A or B CDL, or who upgrades to a Class A or B CDL, must complete training from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
FMCSA’s notice says Towle stated that the requested exemptions would allow eligible students at Granite State High School to receive the requisite theory instruction in order to obtain their Commercial Learner’s Permit as a step towards job-readiness as part of their community re-entry plan.
FMCSA will accept public comments on the request for 30 days beginning Dec. 1. Comments can be made here through Jan. 3.
Investment firm BlueJay Capital acquires warehousing company
Bluejay Capital Partners, a specialist in logistics and transportation industry investing, has completed its acquisition of Best Warehousing and Transportation (BWT), a B2B warehousing and transportation business, with 30 locations across 15 states. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“BWT has an exceptional track record serving industry leaders across many diversified supply chains,” said Josh Putterman, founding partner of Bluejay Capital. “They attract customers and grow with them in new services and locations. The strong team at BWT, coupled with the Bluejay Capital team’s growth expertise and significant industry experience creates a powerful combination.”
Winston McDonald Jr., President and CEO of BWT, will retain a sizable ownership stake in the business.
“Our partnership with Bluejay Capital marks the beginning of an important chapter of growth for our company and our dedicated employees,” McDonald said. “We are proud of what we have created and accomplished over the last 16 years and are excited to build upon that history, advancing our industry-leading position, expanding our market reach and broadening the scope of work and services we provide.”
